‘We will hold the new cabinet accountable’: Rise Mzansi

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Rise Mzansi says it will not shy away from holding the national cabinet accountable as it continues to fight for the people.

President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed his new national executive on Sunday night which is made of Government of National Unity (GNU) partners.

The cabinet will constitute the 7th democratic administration as a GNU which comprise of a diversity of political parties.

Songezo Zibi, Rise Mzansi leader said although they welcome the cabinet announcement, however, they are disappointed that the body has been enlarged, with some ministries being served by two deputy ministers.

“While RISE Mzansi forms part of the Government of National Unity (GNU), we never made demands for executive positions nor were we offered positions in the executive.

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“We believe that GNU presents a unique opportunity for collaboration, and to influence for implementation of the issues found in the RISE Mzansi people’s manifesto,” he expressed.

Zibi stated that they are looking forward to playing an active role in elevating the status of parliament and ensuring that the president, deputy president, ministers and deputy ministers act uphold the constitution, act with integrity, and spend the people’s money correctly.

Bloated cabinet with a bad first impression for reform

He added; “Our participation in the GNU does not mean we will rubber stamp all decisions of the executive. We will scrutinise all pronouncements and decisions of the executive, and where it is in the best interests of the people of South Africa, we will lend our support.”

Meanwhile, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba lashed out at the executive saying its a bloated and compromised cabinet with a bad first impression for reform.

“Contrary to past commitments by both President Ramaphosa and the DA, the appointment of 32 ministers and 43 deputy ministers shows that when they stand to benefit, their principles soon fall by the wayside.

“South Africans have been calling for a reduction in the size of the cabinet for years given that our country has one of the largest cabinets in the world in the context of a country where most of its citizens languish in poverty and struggle to keep up with the cost of living,” he remarked.